Major League Soccer has always been built on parity, with smaller markets given the chance to compete against giants. But in 2018, it was a single moment — one unforgettable goal — that propelled a young franchise from regional recognition to worldwide attention.
That team was Atlanta United, and the moment belonged to Josef Martínez.
During a regular season match against Orlando City, Martínez scored his record-breaking 28th goal of the season, officially surpassing the MLS single-season scoring record. The strike itself wasn’t just a tap-in — it was a display of his trademark speed, strength, and ruthless finishing. As the ball hit the net, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium erupted with over 70,000 fans, a number unheard of in American soccer history.
That goal didn’t just put Martínez in the record books; it also cemented Atlanta United’s reputation as more than just an expansion team. Founded only in 2017, Atlanta quickly transformed into a powerhouse with sellout crowds, a massive fan culture, and global recognition. For soccer fans across Europe and South America, it was shocking to see an MLS side drawing attendance numbers higher than many storied clubs abroad.
What made the moment so historic was the ripple effect:
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MLS merchandise sales surged worldwide, with Atlanta’s black-and-red jerseys flying off shelves.
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Global media outlets, from BBC Sport to ESPN Argentina, began covering MLS with newfound seriousness.
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Young South American players started considering Atlanta as a true launching pad to Europe, following in the footsteps of stars like Miguel Almirón, who went on to join Newcastle United in the English Premier League.
That single goal by Martínez symbolized the changing face of MLS — proving that even a “small-market” club in the American South could not only dominate domestically but also capture the imagination of global soccer fans.
As one fan proudly declared after the match:
“Atlanta United didn’t just break a record tonight. We showed the world MLS belongs on the map.”
